Three south-west footballers named in Vic Country's 2020 NAB AFL Academy Squad

South Warrnambool's Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Penshurst's Josh Rentsch and Geelong Falcons' Henry Walsh, the younger brother of Carlton number one draft pick Sam, have scored places in Vic Country's 2020 NAB AFL Academy Squad.

The recently expanded NAB AFL Academy program will see 150 players across each state and territory take part in high performance camps focusing on players on and off-field education.

The trio will take part in Vic Country's upcoming camp from December 15 to 19.

This is the 23^rd intake of players into the NAB AFL Academy. Since its inception in 1997, 515 players (81 per cent of all NAB AFL Academy players) have eventually been drafted by AFL clubs.

Ugle-Hagan, who is boarding at Scotch College and a Western Bulldogs Next Generation Academy member, adds another development avenue as he pushes to be drafted in 2020.

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The 2019 Oakleigh Chargers NAB League premiership player, who found out his selection via the club's talent manager Jye Bond, said his second inclusion in the academy would have a big impact on his draft chances.

"As a top-ager this year the impact will be great and it's another opportunity for me to show my talent and also my character," the 17-year-old told The Standard.

"I'm grateful for the selection. It's going to be another door opener for me to get closer to the big stage, also off the field knowing I'm a Vic country representative I'm going to have to step up my leadership even more as there will be young boys wanting to get the opportunity I've earned for years to come"

Geelong Falcons talent manager Michael Turner said Walsh's development was heading in the right direction.

"He is a 200-centimetre player that played every game with the Geelong Falcons as a developing 17-year-old player," he said.

"Henry has got himself into a situation where he is a very strong chance to be drafted.

"He's at St Joeys (St Joseph's College Geelong) doing a agriculture course for his plan B. But I think plan A will work and he will end up at an AFL club."

AFL National Talent Pathways manager Marcus Ashcroft said it was an exciting time for the players selected.

"The new approach to the national NAB AFL Academy will again ensure more of our most talented players have access to AFL facilities, while receiving the best quality coaching, high performance and well-being services in the country," he said.

"Importantly these players will spend more time in their home states, with year-round first-class support that will enhance their opportunity to perform at an elite level."

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